ICE STYLE.....The Pink Panther RETURNS, Costume Changes + More: Sochi Olympics Figure Skating Pairs Costume Highlights!

 Pink Panther DIVA RETURNS!!!...Plus... some Costume Changes...

some Costume Changes...

  Time for my Figure Skating Costume Highlights...

Figure Skating is in FULL FORCE at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics which means one thing: Time to discuss the Costumes! The last two days were the Pairs Figure Skating Competition. There were some "Costume Highlights" and so...here we go. Let's begin with the "Pink Panther" in the room:

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany, Short Program: Savchenko and Szolkowy skated their short program to Henry Manicini's soundtrack to "The Pink Panther" and needless to say that it was Aliona's bubblegum pink jumpsuit that stole the show. The costume featured a blindingly bright pink color and a silver crystal stripe down top portion. Her boots were even covered in the same Lycra pink fabrication. Oh, and in case you missed her--she also has a pink mini-scrunchie on her hair!

Backless: Her perfectly chiseled and toned back was exposed in a cut-out feature in the costume. She was THE SEXIEST Pink Panther EVAH! Oh...and Robin (her partner) looked, well, just OK as the "Inspector". In case you were wondering, this was a Return/Throw-back to the same costumes they wore for their 2010-2011 Season LONG program:

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany--2010-2011 Season Long Program "Pink Panther" costumes

Now, in case you thought the "Pink Panther" costumes were A LOT, take a look at this "Costume Photo gallery" of the KRAZEE costumes they've worn before:

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy at 2012 Skate Canada Short Program to "Kismet" by Bond--they went very
Cirque du Soleil splatter-paint/tie-dye with crystals--for their
costumes. She wore a
predominantly red multicolored unitard with a swirly illusion torso and
choker/mock-neck detail. He wore a darker unitard with the Gay Rainbow
Flag splattered on half his torso and legs.

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy 2012 Skate Canada Long Program to "Flamenco Bolero"--Robin wore another unitard so
it's a good guess that he probably LOVES untitards--or showing off his
perfect physique via a unitard. These costumes were like a Costume Tribute to Spanish Catalan artist Joan Miró-meets-Cirque du Soleil (once again!). 

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy at the 2013 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Canada--Same program, same music but (a little) more subdued costumes. Still Tacky-licious.



Now, let's discuss The Gold medalists from Russia:

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia, Free Skate to Music from Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber--

I love how the bright
golden yellow color of his (very tight) pants are brought into the goldenrod color of Tatiana's gathered costume. The color really stood out on Olympics ice and made them looked perfectly matched. It's all a perfect pairing in costumes and just right for the
music. And just for good measure, I have to add: Maxim has got to be one of the SEXIEST men
in Figure Skating. JEEEE---SUS is right! Now, this is a Costume Change--on Tatiana's part--for what she had worn before for this same Free Skate:

Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia, Free Skate at ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
Final 2013/2014 Fukuoka,
Japan--Her costume was the same costume but different color--an ombre white/gray version. I LOVE the golden colored one much better; it was more visually impacting and really highlighted her in the program (since when they skate, I cannot stop staring at HIM!)

Qing Pang and Jian Tong of China, Free Skate to "I Dreamed a Dream" from the Les Misérables soundtrack by Claude-Michel Schönberg--These costumes were quite fabulous I have to say. I love how the costume designer interpreted a directional--yet still Period--vision of "Les Miz". Her costume was chic, loved the multi-straps, asymmetrical neckline and mini flutter sleeve, and the bright red color was just perfect on such a world stage as the Olympics. His jacket-and-waistcoat (vest) with cravat look was sharp, elegant and well-matched to her costume. Notice how the same red of her costume was brought into his jacket lapel/notched collar. These looks were a (wise) Costume Change from what we saw them wear for this same program and music in past competitions:

Qing Pang and Jian Tong of China, Free Skate at the
Lexus Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2013 in Beijing, China--I loved these costumes as well but definitely the Sochi Olympic designs are much more impacting and creative--design-wise.

 Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov of Russia, Free Skate to the "Polovtsian Dances" from Prince Igor by Alexander Borodin--Russian pair Bazarova and Larionov wore these costumes for the Free Skate. The music they skated to comes from an opera which recounts the campaigns of Russian prince Igor Svyatoslavich
against the Polovtsian tribes in 1185. I am guessing the costume
designer wanted to interpret a little of the Medieval-like feel into
the ensembles and play with some added "Spartacus/Spartan" touches as
well.  Not sure of this but looking at past photos of their Free Skate and costumes, it may seem as if the color of his "tunic" was changed. Above it's a plum color while...

This photo above of Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov from the ISU Rostelecom Cup of Figure Skating 2013 (November 
2013) in Moscow, Russia, looks as if his tunic is black. It  might just be the coloring of the photo and lighting...Also, right before they skated at the Rostelecom Cup at...

Trophee Eric Bompard 2013 (above photo) gorgeous Vera's costume lacked something. Can you see what she isn't wearing that now is part of her costume? Yep--her headband. Overall, I liked their looks; they were strong, sexy and good for the music. If there was a little bit of a negative, I would say they are a couple minutes away (not seconds but minutes!) from looking like store-bought Halloween costumes from a store in Hollywood Blvd.



Finally, I want to give Costume Props to the French Pair of...

Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres--For their Free Skate to Music from the Angels and Demons soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and the Requiem for a Dream soundtrack by Clint Mansell, they wore these costumes.
These were outstanding and some of my favorites of all the Pairs Figure Skaters; The curved asymmetrical style lines, the
expensive crystal work, the contrast in color between James and
Cipres--Her being the Angel and him being the Demon, I presume. It was all fabulous!

Stunning back: J'adore this elaborately beautiful back sequin-and-illusion back on Morgan Cipres' costume.

Almost Perfect Costume Pair: Overall, an outstanding job on the costumes!! If there was any little critique, I just wish her illusion color was closer to her actual skin color. But really, I can put that critique aside because everything else is magical.

***Stay tuned here on my BLOG for more Costumes Highlights of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Figure Skating Costumes!

ICE STYLE.....Figure Skating Costumes Recap/Highlights of Four Continents Championships 2014: Ladies and Pairs

 India vs. China Fashionistas: Ami Parekh of India , Sijun Li of China give some Costume Couture--Four Continents 2014, Taipei City Chinese Taipei, Taipei Arena

This past week was the 2014 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, held in Taipei City, Chinese Taipei. Skaters from North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania competed in the ISU sanctioned event in disciplines of Men's singles, Ladies singles, Pairs and Ice Dance.

Of note: none of last year's Four Continents Champions defended their title this year in order to prepare for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. Now, let's get to the FASHION--First up: The Ladies and Pairs Costumes Recap/Highlights:

 Top Three Ladies: (left to right) silver medalist Satoko Miyahara of Japan, gold medalist Kanako Murakami of Japan and bronze medalist Zijun Li of China pose with their medals--Four Continents 2-14 Taipei City, Chinese Taipei

Kanako Murakami of Japan, Short Program: Kanako skated her Short Program to Violin Muse by Ikuko Kawai. I love this costume and the mixing of colors and patterns. Here is what I've already said about this costume.

Kanako Murakami of Japan, Free Skate: For her Free Skate to Papa Can You Hear Me (from "Yentl" soundtrack) by Barbara Streisand, Kanako wore this blue sequined costume. I like this--it's pretty but nothing extraordinary. I do like the costume she wore before during the season--you can see that one HERE.

Mirai Nagasu of US, Free Skate: Mirai Nagasu won the Bronze at the U.S. Nationals earlier this year and even though she should have gone to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics as a result, the US Figure Skating Committee decided to send 4th place Ashley Wagner instead. She came to the "Four Continents 2014 Figure Skating Championships" with a heavy heart and tried her best but it wasn't a success. Now, back to her costume...She wore this above for her Free Skate to Music from James Bond by various artists. It is pretty, elegant and somewhat mysterious--and right for the "James Bond Girl" theme of her skate. Here is more of what I've already said about this costume.

Samantha Cesario of the US, Short Program: I LOVE Samantha Cesario's red hot costume for her Short program to "Fever" by various artists. It is perfect for the music and skate and bold in its coloring, sequins and use of fringe. This could have gone TACKY-licious quickly, and yet it did not. It was FEVER-hot!

Samantha Cesario of the US, Free Skate: Her costume for her Free Skate to "Carmen Suite" by Georges Bizet and Konstantinovich Shchedrin was also well done. It was a black/nude costume with swirly sequined detail. Any time a skater skates to "Carmen" and doesn't go the typical route of wearing a red rose in her hair and/or a toreador bolero and red/black costume...I am happy--as long as it is done well. And by the way, both costumes were designed by Samantha herself, as well as Tania Bass. Congrats Samantha! Good job.

SoYoun Park of South Korea, Free Skate: Simply beautiful. That's what I can say about this Free Skate costume of SoYoun Park's for Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The deep navy blue colored costume featured sequins throughout done wonderfully, especially the light blue colored section at the center front. I also loved the beautiful open back.

Amelie Lacoste of Canada, Free Skate: Amelie wore this rose pink costume for her Free Skate skating to the "Amelie Poulain" soundtrack by Yann Tiersen. I have to admit that I am not a fan of this costume; it looks heavy-handed and cheap. And the various design details (heavy neck edge trim, gathered bust, sequined front) just do not mesh together harmoniously.

Satoko Miyahara of Japan, Free Skate: For her Free Skate to Poeta by Vincente Amigo--a tango--Satoko wore this deep red with black costume. The costume featured one long-sleeve, nude neck covering (that was too light for her skin) and less-than-expensive looking crystal detail. In other words: I didn't like so much. This could have been better. She needs to call Mao Asada's costume designer, like ASAP.

Zijun Li of China, Free Skate: The Chinese skaters--I have said this before--have really stepped it up in terms of costumes and costume design. And this one on Zijun Li is a great example. She skated her Free Skate to Coppelia by Leo Delibes in this look. It was a black and fuchsia one-sleeve costume with leaf-like crystal detail. She also wore THE accessory of the season: gloves. I thought this costume was beautiful, looked expensive and designed quite well.

Veronik Mallet of Canada, Free Skate: Veronik skated her Free Skate to Funny Girl by Jule Styne in this fun black sequined and fringed costume with pearl necklace detail. It was cute but part of me wished she would have done something like THIS (without the baby bump of course!).

Alisson Krystle Perticheto of the Philippines, Free Skate: Alisson skated her Free Skate to Sleeping Beauty by Petr I. Tchaikovski wearing this costume above. The costume was pretty but seemed a tad bit "Sleeping Beauty: High School". I know that she is not one of the "A-List" skaters in the World so I can cut her some "costume slack". But next time: remove those arm/bicep band ruffle pieces. Please.

Ami Parekh of India, Short Program: Ami skated her Short Program to Raga-Jazz Style by Shankar Jaikishan. Although the costume itself was simple and un-fussy, I liked it. She could have gone the whole "Bollywood Couture" route and she didn't. Part of me wishes I could see that version but at the same time, this was a nice (subdued) costume.



Pairs Costumes Highlights:

Wenting Wang and Yan Zhang of China, Free Skate: You cannot really tell from this photo but her costume was FABULOUS! Once again, the Chinese are stepping it up with figure skating costumes. This Pairs team skated their Free Skate to Humanity by Tomoyasu Hotei, Parisian Walkways by Gary Moore and Malaguena by Ernesto Lecuona. The costumes--especially hers--were very well constructed, looked expensive and very chic. I LOVED the Art Deco-like sequin work of her one-shoulder costume, particularly.

Margaret Purdy and Michael Marinaro of Canada, Short Program: Purdy and Marinaro wore these costumes to their Short Program to Casablanca (soundtrack) by Max Steiner. I didn't get what these costumes had to do with "Casablanca". At all. It almost looked as if they went to a Figure Skating Costume shop and said "I want this and I want that". They could have been skating to a (name a Disney film) soundtrack.

Tarah Kayne and Daniel O'Shea of US, Free Skate: I absolute LOVED these costumes from U.S. Pairs skating team Kayne and O'Shea. They skated their Free Skate to  "Don Quixote" by Ludwig Minkus. These were unique--even for this been there/done that genre and worked very well with the music. And they looked well done and not cheap-looking (a bit of a criteria for me). These costumes--by the way--were designed by Dawn Imperatore. Very well done Dawn!

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier of US, Free Skate: I really like these costumes from the US Pairs team of Denney and Frazier which they wore for their Free Skate to Notre Dame de Paris (soundtrack) by Richard Cocciante. You can read my thoughts HERE.

Wenjing Sui and Cong Han of China, Free Skate: Sui and Han skated their Free Skate to Kalinka (Russian Folk Music) and I have discussed these costume HERE. I think these costumes are FANTASIC!



***Next Up : Costumes Recap/Highlights of "2014 Four Continents" Men and Ice Dance!

ICE STYLE.....2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships Costume Recap, Ladies and Pairs Short Program!

 Gracie Gold at the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships, TD Garden Boston Massachusetts

This week and through the weekend are the all-important U.S. Nationals of Figure Skating--or more formally--the 2014 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships. I've been happy to have attended two of them in the last few years. The 2014 Championships decides who will get to go to the World Championships and so on...but it is especially important this year since it will also serve as the selection criteria for who goes to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

This year's United States Figure Skating Championships is taking place at TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts and from looking at the YouTube and TV feeds...it seems like it is an (almost) sold out event (Thank goodness--at least for the sponsors and venue organizers!). Now, let's get to the important stuff (at least for me) and that's the FASHION and Costumes.





First up, I want to discuss the LADIES and PAIRS Short Program Costumes:

Ashley Wagner, Short Program: I love Ashley's costume to "Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd". It is a black and silver sequined look with a halter neckline with black sheer panels at the neckline and sides. It looks expensive and well-made--as it should be since she is one of the top female figure skaters for the US. I especially love the sprinkle of crystals at the neck that mimic a diamond necklace.

Agnes Zawadzki, Short Program: For her SP, Agnes skated to Selections from the Sex and the City 2 soundtrack by Aaron Zigman. Her costume is designed by Pat Pearsall. If we remember, the film "sex and the City 2" is all about the girls going to Abu Dhabi and the shenanigans that ensure while they are there. It is no surprise, therefore, that this costume has an overt Near East influence with its deep lilac color, the sequin work and silhouette as well--she's like "Scheherazade of Figure Skating".

Rachael Flatt, Short Program: Rachael skated her SP to "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber. While I really appreciate the deep ombre gray/lilac color and Art Deco-like sequin work of this costume, I think it might be just a tad too short.

Hannah Miller Short Program: When I first saw Hannah and this costume, I said to myself "I hope she's skating to Firebird" and yep, she did--Music from The Firebird by Igor Stavinsky, to be more specific. The costume, which was designed by Elena Pollack, is very impacting and colorful but I do think it might be two seconds from looking a bit garish with the bright tomato red and shocking canary yellow. I think there are other ways of creating a Firebird costume but not making it look so harsh and gaudy. Take a look at Japanese figure skater Tatsuki Machida for inspiration. It might just be about toning the colors down one notch.

Gracie Gold, Short Program: Gracie Gold skated her SP to "Piano Concerto" by Edvard Grieg. The costume was designed by Gale Johnson and Denise Gold and I LOVE it! It's elegant, classic but with a sexy "red carpet' edge and also works really well with her music and program; it's like a "mini-me" gown one could see at a late 19th Century/early 20th Century Ball in Europe. I also realized that this is a COSTUME CHANGE for Gracie and her entire Short Program...

Gracie Costume Change: This snazzy "Liza Minelli on Ice" costume above is what she last wore for her previous Short Program at the NHK Trophy 2013 in Japan back in November.Many speculated that when she switched coaches and went to Frank Carroll, he would change her entire short program. And he did! Plus the costume! Obviously, since she is in 1st Place after the Short, it was a good decision all around.

Polina Edmunds, Short Program: On her debut in the Senior level, Polina skated her SP to "Pink Cherries Cha-Cha-Cha," "Besame Mucho" and "Another Cha-Cha" by Ballroom Orchestra. The costume is designed by Lilya Dukler and I think it's pretty fabulous! I love the light lemon yellow color, the "shredded" skirt and emphasis on the neckline and all those panels in the torso. I especially like how no "costume stone was left unturned" in that it is a complete look; the hairstyle, details in the hair...it is all in synch with the rest of the costume. Very nice!



Pairs Short Program Costumes:

Marissa Castelli and Simon Schnapir Short Program: Castelli and Schnapir skated their SP to "Black Magic Woman" and "Smooth" by Carlos Santana. The costumes were designed by Yumi Nakamura and Paul Ginandes. I think these are nice and well-thought out in their execution and small details, such as her "corseting" sequins, the sheer panels highlighting her torso/midriff. And the back of her costume is Fab-u-lous! I also like that the same sequin detail that is on her costume was used in Simon's costume (in his shirt's neckline). I always like it when the pair look as if they belong together--costume-wise.

Alexa Scimeca and Christopher Knierim Short Program: For their SP to "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" by Michel Legrand (a very popular music choice this season for EVERYONE it seems!), Scimeca and Knierim wore these ombre--almost tie dye lilac costumes designed by Elena Pollack. As I said in my previous commentary on Castelli and Schnapir, I LOVE when the pairs are in synch, costume-wise and here they definitely are! I also appreciate the asymmetrical lines that are used in Alexa's costume...notice how the costume designer subtly added a similar asymmetrical line to Christopher's top.

DeeDee Leng and Timothy LeDuc Short Program: Leng and LeDuc skated their SP to "The Last Temptation of Christ" by Peter Gabriel. While these two may not have the costume budget of some of the so-called top pairs skaters, I still think their costumes were quite effective. Yes, when I saw her's up close on my super duper HD 60" TV screen, I could notice some wonkyness here and there but...I did like the overall silhouette and the strong geometric lines. I also thought the back of hers was quite interesting and liked the subtle inclusion of her royal blue/purple coloring in his costume (on his back, above photo).

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin Short Program: Denney and Coughlin skated their SP to "Tosca" by Giacomo Puccini. Her red and muted orange one-shoulder costume is a bit "showgirl"/Miss USA contestant in its design. But I do think it is one of the better costumes Caydee has worn over the years and the color is fantastic on her. I also like that John's costume included subtle sequin coloring highlights that let you know he belonged with her.

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier Short Program: I really liked these costumes Denney and Frazier wore for their SP to "Malagueña" by Ernesto Lecuona. The costumes are fiery, hot, sexy and hint at the Latin history of the music.  I'm especially happy just to see the guy be so "out there" in terms of his costume (trust me kids, this is "out there" when you see what the guys usually like to wear--a white dress shirt, black pants and a "Ross Dress For less" belt).

Gretchen Donlon and Andrew Speroff Short Program: For their SP to "Meditation" from Thais by Jules Massenet, Donlon and Speroff wore these costumes, designed by Yumi Barnett-Nakamura. It's not every day one sees a bodysuit/jumpsuit on a woman in figure skating and normally it's not well-received. I like the fact that they look different from everyone else. The sequin applique work looks interesting on her costume and I appreciate that he also has the same type of sequin work on his costume, at the V-neck.



***NEXT UP: The MEN and ICE DANCE Short Program Costume Highlights of the 2014 U.S. Nationals of Figure Skating.